Andrew Little steps down as EPMU national secretary

July 5, 2011

Media Advisory

Andrew Little steps down as EPMU national secretary

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little stands down tomorrow (Wednesday).

Mr Little, a lawyer, joined the union’s legal team in 1992. He was named general counsel in 1997 and assistant national secretary in 1998, and was elected unopposed to the position of national secretary when Rex Jones stood down in 2000. Mr Little was re-elected in 2004 and 2008.

Highlights of his 11 years in the top position have included the Fair Share – Five in ’05 campaign for a five per cent wage rise for workers, the successful negotiation of a multi-employer collective agreement in the mining industry and the continuation of the industry-leading metals agreement, campaigns to prevent the outsourcing of heavy maintenance engineering and airport services at Air New Zealand, negotiation of a collective agreement for Taranaki oil and gas workers providing for Australian rates of pay, and the fostering of strong relationships with other organisations, including international unions.

Mr Little will continue working for the union as a lawyer until later this year. He is also standing for the Labour Party in the New Plymouth electorate in this year’s general election.

He will be replaced as national secretary by Bill Newson, who has been elected unopposed to the position. Mr Newson, a former boilermaker-welder, has held many senior positions in the union, including assistant national secretary.

ENDS

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